Title: Environmental consultants, knowledge brokering and policy-making: a case study

Authors: Ana Margarida Sardo; Emma Weitkamp

Addresses: Science Communication Unit, University of the West of England, Frenchay Campus, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK ' Science Communication Unit, University of the West of England, Frenchay Campus, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK

Abstract: This small-scale exploratory study examined the role of environmental consultants in the policy-making process using one European country (Portugal) as a case study. The study focused particularly on the role of environmental consultants as knowledge brokers, providing scientific expertise to national and local government policy-makers. The research question and other topics were explored through in depth interviews and an online questionnaire. The data indicate that in Portugal environmental consultants act as knowledge brokers, providing policy-makers with access to scientific information and encouraging its use; this information feeds into the policy process at the formulation, implementation, assessment and review stages. They also play other roles such as acting as financial, legal and technical advisors.

Keywords: environmental consultants; policy-making; knowledge brokers; mediation; consultation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEPDM.2017.085407

International Journal of Environmental Policy and Decision Making, 2017 Vol.2 No.3, pp.221 - 235

Received: 23 May 2016
Accepted: 01 Mar 2017
Published online: 25 Jul 2017 *

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